What is the Difference Between Sex-linked and Autosomal?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between sex-linked and autosomal inheritance lies in the location of the genes involved.
Sex-linked inheritance:
- Occurs via genes located in the sex chromosomes (X and Y chromosomes in humans).
- Most sex-linked traits are controlled by genes on the X chromosome, called X-linked traits.
- More common in males, as they have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes.
- Examples of X-linked traits include colorblindness and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
Autosomal inheritance:
- Occurs via genes located on the autosomes (non-sex chromosomes).
- Autosomal traits are inherited equally in males and females, as autosomes do not differ between the sexes.
- Examples of autosomal traits include many single-gene disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.
In summary, sex-linked inheritance is due to the transmission of genes on the sex chromosomes, while autosomal inheritance is due to the transmission of genes on the non-sex chromosomes. Sex-linked inheritance is more common in males, whereas autosomal inheritance affects both sexes equally.
Comparative Table: Sex-linked vs Autosomal
Here is a table comparing the differences between sex-linked and autosomal inheritance:
Characteristic | Sex-linked Inheritance | Autosomal Inheritance |
---|---|---|
Chromosomes involved | X and Y chromosomes | Autosomes (non-sex chromosomes) |
Inheritance pattern | Traits are usually expressed in males more often than females (e.g., red-green colorblindness) | Traits affect both males and females equally (e.g., cystic fibrosis) |
Carrier status | Males are rarely carriers; females are carriers | Both males and females can be carriers |
Inheritance through generations | Shows "criss-cross inheritance" | Affects individuals in every generation |
Pedigree chart appearance | Mostly affected males, female carriers typically designated as half-shaded circles | Affected individuals of both sexes in approximately equal numbers |
Sex-linked inheritance occurs via the sex chromosomes (X and Y), while autosomal inheritance occurs through chromosomes other than the sex chromosomes (autosomes). In sex-linked inheritance, traits are usually expressed in males more often than females, as the Y chromosome has fewer genes than the X chromosome. In contrast, autosomal inheritance results in traits affecting both males and females equally. Carrier status is another difference, with females typically being carriers for sex-linked traits and both males and females being potential carriers for autosomal traits.
- Autosomes vs Sex Chromosomes
- Autosomes vs Allosomes
- Autosomes vs Chromosomes
- Autosomal vs X-Linked Pedigree
- Autosomal Dominant vs Autosomal Recessive Disorders
- Male vs Female Chromosomes
- Holandric vs Sex Linked Gene
- X linked vs Y linked Inheritance
- X vs Y Chromosomes
- XX vs XY Chromosomes
- Male vs Female DNA
- Sexual vs Asexual
- Male vs Female Gametes
- Male vs Female Germ Cell
- Male vs Female Karyotypes
- Allogamy vs Autogamy
- Mendelian vs Chromosomal Disorders
- Sex vs Gender
- Sex vs Gender